Broadband Connectivity for All High Schools Within Three Years
India’s high schools are set to receive a major digital upgrade, with the central government aiming to connect every institution to high-speed broadband internet within the next two to three years. The announcement was made by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan during a session in the Rajya Sabha, where he outlined the government’s roadmap for technological integration in education.
Currently, approximately 60 percent of high schools across the country already have broadband access. The minister expressed confidence that the remaining schools would be brought under the connectivity umbrella in the coming years, ensuring that students and teachers in even the most remote areas can benefit from digital resources.
Artificial Intelligence to Be Embedded in School Curriculum
Beyond connectivity, the government is placing significant emphasis on preparing students for a technology-driven future. Pradhan highlighted that artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad and transformative subject, and the country is positioning itself as a leader in this domain. Under the new National Education Policy (NEP) framework, foundational knowledge of AI will be introduced to students as early as Class 3.
The minister also noted that AI concepts are being woven into educational content across nearly all regional languages, making the technology accessible to students from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This move is expected to democratize AI education and ensure that no student is left behind due to language barriers.
Capacity Building for Teachers
Recognizing that teachers are the backbone of any educational reform, both central and state governments are focusing on capacity-building programs for educators. The objective is to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills required to effectively teach AI and other emerging technologies. This includes specialized training modules and workshops designed to enhance digital literacy among the teaching community.
NEP 2020 and the Push for Modern Skills
Education being a concurrent subject under the Constitution, most schools fall under the jurisdiction of state and union territory governments. However, the NEP 2020 provides a clear national framework that emphasizes the importance of AI in the school curriculum. The policy advocates for a coordinated approach to curriculum design and pedagogical initiatives, incorporating contemporary subjects like AI, design thinking, and computational thinking at appropriate levels.
These subjects are not just add-ons but are intended to develop critical skills among students, including problem-solving, innovation, and logical reasoning. The integration is designed to be seamless, ensuring that students acquire these competencies as part of their regular learning journey rather than as isolated topics.
Initiatives to Promote AI and Computational Thinking
Over the past few years, the Ministry of Education has launched several initiatives to promote AI and computational thinking (CT) in school education. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the overall quality of education by integrating technology into teaching and learning processes. The minister emphasized that these initiatives are not merely about introducing new subjects but about transforming the educational experience to make it more engaging and relevant.
Existing NCERT textbooks for Class 11 in computer science and informatics practices already reference AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and other emerging technologies. Additionally, the Class 6 vocational education textbook includes a project on animation and games, giving students hands-on exposure to creative technology applications from an early age.
Curriculum Rollout from Class 3 Onwards
The Department of School Education and Literacy has developed a dedicated curriculum on computational thinking and AI to foster readiness among students. This curriculum is scheduled to be implemented from the 2026-27 academic session for students in Classes 3 through 8. The phased rollout is designed to build a strong foundation at the primary level, which can then be expanded upon in higher classes.
For students in Classes 6 to 12, AI is being incorporated to create awareness and build fundamental competencies. Simultaneously, teachers are being trained in AI literacy to ensure they can effectively guide their students. States and union territories are also actively working on integrating emerging technologies, including AI, into their respective educational systems.
Additional Skill Modules and Platforms
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a skill module on AI for students in Classes 6 to 8, as well as an optional skill-based subject for Classes 9 to 12. These offerings provide students with the flexibility to explore AI in greater depth if they choose to do so.
Digital education is being further strengthened through national platforms such as DIKSHA, SWAYAM, and PM eVIDYA. These platforms host a wealth of digital content and resources that supplement classroom learning. In addition, capacity-building programs, teacher training initiatives, and the development of AI awareness modules are being undertaken to promote innovation and problem-solving skills among students.
The comprehensive approach adopted by the government reflects a clear vision: to create a generation of learners who are not just consumers of technology but also innovators capable of shaping the digital future of the nation.
